Give your job application an extra boost. Follow these great tips on the benefits and etiquette of thank-you notes

Once you've walked out of a job interview most people just heave a sigh of relief, cross their fingers and forget about it. If you do, you're missing the opportunity to give your application a final push.

While the whole experience is still fresh in your mind, make yourself think about what you could have done better. Was there something you forgot to say or an aspect you didn't emphasise enough? Even if you're completely satisfied with your performance don't leave it at that. A short thank-you note can work wonders and gives you a great excuse to add anything you forgot to say or highlight details you only glossed over.

Be proactive
Many applicants shy away from writing to an employer immediately after an interview because they worry it will look too pushy or annoying. Nothing could be further from the truth. Recruiters find it encouraging to get positive feedback and say it makes a candidate stand out. Being keen, confident and a good communicator is essential to many jobs. Showing those skills at this crucial point can only help your application.

Ruth Reynolds, MD of Praxis, says: 'It's often really hard to choose between a number of good people and something as simple as a follow-up call or a quick email confirming interest makes you think this is the kind of enthusiasm I'm looking for.'

It's important to draw attention to yourself in a positive way and leave the impression that, having seen the company, you're more enthusiastic than ever to work for them.

Next page: how to do it

Take the plunge

It's all in the details:

• Get in contact as soon as you can. Hiring decisions are often made very quickly after interviews.
• Writing is generally easier and more acceptable than a phone call. Email and fax are immediate and put no pressure on the employer to respond.
• Address your note to the interviewer. If you're using email and don't have a personal address, make your subject line for the attention of the individual you want it to go to.
• Keep it short and to the point. Primarily, you are thanking them and confirming you're keen to do the job. You could even jog their memory about why you're right for the position by including a summary of your strengths.
• If there was something you didn't emphasise enough in the interview, now's your final chance to do so, but keep it brief.

The after-effects

If you don't get offered the job, never mind. The fact that you bothered to get in touch can have positive results later. Peter Gallon, Senior Partner at Two One, a public relations company in Salisbury, says it's unusual but welcome for him to hear back from candidates after an interview. 'Only twice have candidates written to thank me - both women, incidentally. It left a lasting and favourable impression. One was unsuccessful at the time but when a new opportunity came up, I contacted her again and she was offered the job. I really believe it's a simple courtesy, in an increasingly discourteous world, that pays off.'

If you've established a dialogue with an employer, it's easier to ask for feedback if you weren't offered the job. Most are happy to provide some pointers about why they didn't pick you. That's extremely valuable information which should help you perform better next time as well as being an effective, positive way of showing you're keen to be considered for a similar post in future.

So, next time you come out of an interview, help your application and prospects along - follow through.

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